Chemical Peels

What is a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels are a category of advanced clinical skin rejuvenation treatments that aid in reversing damaged skin due to factors such as aging, sun exposure and acne.

Who are candidates for Chemical Peels?

Clients who have facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation are candidates.

What are the types of Chemical Peels?

There are three levels of Chemical Peels ranging in intensity and strength:

Zeno Acne Treatment: Zeno is a hand-held device used for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. The tip of the device is applied to the pimple, which is infused with a precise amount of heat. This produces a shock response in the bacteria, which destroys it. The level of heat needed to cause this response is low enough that not to irritate the skin. Two to three treatments performed over twenty-four hours are required.

Antibacterial pills: Because bacteria cause acne, most mild to moderate acne will respond to antibacterial medication. However, these medications can interfere with other medications and may have side effects.

Chemical Peels: Chemical Peels are a category of advanced clinical skin rejuvenation treatments that aid in reversing damaged skin due to factors such as aging, sun exposure and acne. There are three levels of Chemical Peels ranging in intensity and strength:

• Alphahydroxy Acids (AHA) These are the mildest form of Chemical Peels and provide smoother, brighter-looking skin. AHA peels may be used for treating fine lines, areas of dryness and pigmentation problems. AHA can be mixed with bleaching creams to correct pigment problems, and it can be used as a pre-treatment for the TCA peel. The peels' ingredients originate from glycolic, lactic and fruit acids.


• Trichloracetic Acids (TCA)This type is a medium-depth peeling system that may be performed in different variations. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigmentation problems are commonly treated with this type of Chemical Peel. More than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve desired results, but the recovery time is shorter than with a Phenol treatment.


• PhenolThis is the deepest, strongest Chemical Peel procedure with the most dramatic and longest-lasting results. It is used mainly to treat clients with coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or sun damaged skin. Since Phenol can cause the skin to lighten, your skin tone should be taken into consideration when deciding whether this level of treatment is right for you.

• Alphahydroxy Acids Various levels of AHA peels can be performed weekly or at longer intervals.


• Trichloracetic AcidsThis peel is more intense and two to three TCA peels are usually performed to achieve desired results.


• PhenolA single treatment usually produces desired effects.

Are Chemical Peels safe?

Chemical Peels are safe, but each treatment has different side effects. Some AHA peels may cause irritation, flaking and soreness. Complications for TCA and Phenol peels include scarring and changes in skin color.

Will there be any downtime?

There is no downtime with AHA Chemical Peels. A TCA peel may cause redness and swelling, and a mild pain medication may be prescribed by a physician. Phenol peels may involve intense swelling and pain. You will be able to resume normal activities in a week to ten days.

• Alphahydroxy Acids The results from this Chemical Peel may be very subtle at first. You will detect a natural, healthy glow to your skin, and with multiple treatments, even better results can be seen.


• Trichloracetic AcidsSkin will be noticeably smoother and fresher-looking. Results are longer-lasting than an AHA peel.


• PhenolThis peel will result in dramatic improvements in the surface of the skin, including fewer wrinkles, fewer blemishes and even skin tone.

Who should avoid Chemical Peels?

Clients with cold sores or sensitive skin may be at a greater risk for post-treatment complications.

Chemical Peels at a glance:

• Alphahydroxy Acids (AHA)
  AHA peels are used to smooth rough, dry skin, improve texture of sun damaged skin and aid in control of acne. AHA can be mixed with bleaching creams to correct pigment problems, and it can be used as a pre-treatment for the TCA peel. A series of peels may be needed.
• Trichloracetic Acids (TCA)
  TCA peels smooth out fine surface wrinkles, remove superficial blemishes and corrects pigment problems. These peels may require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams. Additional treatments may be needed to maintain results. The healing process is usually quick.
• Phenol
  The Phenol peel corrects blotches caused by sun exposure, hormones and aging. It smoothes out coarse wrinkles and areas of blotchy or sun damaged skin. This peel is used only on the face and is not recommended for dark-skinned individuals. Full-face treatment may take an hour or more. The recovery rate is slow, and complete healing can take several weeks. Sun protection must always be used following the peel, and permanent skin lightening and lines of demarcation may occur.